Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, has passed away at the age of 61. Lamorde reportedly died in Egypt, where he was undergoing medical treatment.
His death was confirmed by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, who described the news as sudden and shocking.
Oyewale highlighted Lamorde’s dedicated service to the nation, praising him as a focused and valiant anti-corruption fighter. “He will be sorely missed both at the EFCC and the nation at large.
The Commission prays for the repose of his soul and comfort for his family, the EFCC, and the entire nation,” Oyewale stated.
Ibrahim Lamorde served as the chairman of the EFCC from 2012 to 2015. He was appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan in an acting capacity on November 23, 2011, following the removal of Farida Waziri. His appointment was later confirmed by the Senate on February 15, 2012, making him the third substantive chairman of the commission.
Lamorde was born on December 20, 1962, in Mubi, Adamawa State. He pursued his higher education at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in 1984. Following his graduation, he joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1986.
In 2003, when the EFCC was established, Lamorde was appointed as the pioneer Director of Operations. He first assumed the role of acting chairman of the EFCC in January 2008, before Farida Waziri was appointed as the chairperson and subsequently confirmed by the Senate in June 2008.
Lamorde returned to the EFCC in 2010, replacing Stephen Otitoju as Director of Operations. On November 23, 2011, he was appointed as the acting chairman for a second time, at which point he was an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).
Lamorde served as the chairman of the EFCC until November 9, 2015, when he was replaced by Ibrahim Magu, under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Lamorde’s tenure at the EFCC was marked by significant efforts to combat corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria.
His contributions to the commission and the nation were widely acknowledged, and his death marks a significant loss for both the EFCC and Nigeria. The impact of his work continues to resonate, underscoring the importance of the fight against corruption in the country.
His colleagues and the broader community remember Lamorde as a committed public servant who dedicated his career to the betterment of Nigeria.
The EFCC and the nation mourn the loss of a key figure in the fight against graft and pray for strength and comfort for his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
